The Kasargod district fisheries department has made significant strides against illegal fishing activities, amassing a substantial sum of Rs. 50 lakh in fines over the past six months.
A coordinated operation, involving the fisheries department alongside Kumble, Bekala, Trikaripur, and coastal police units, led to the seizure of a Karnataka-owned fishing vessel engaged in nocturnal fishing activities in the waters off Manjeshwar. This action comes in response to regulations prohibiting mechanized boats from operating within a 12-nautical-mile radius from the Kerala coastline.
The crackdown aims to address the concerns of traditional fishermen who have been adversely affected by unauthorized fishing practices. According to district fisheries deputy director K A Labeeb, these stringent measures underscore the department’s commitment to upholding regulations and safeguarding the livelihoods of local fishermen.